Takeaway boss fraudulently tried to pocket £20k in Covid support payments

A takeaway boss has been fined after attempting to falsely claim £20,000 in Government Covid grants his business was not entitled to.

An investigation from Manchester City Council was launched into Ajibola Jerimiah Adenuga, of Suya Republick, in February 2022. The case was initially referred to Internal Audit as a result of the 35-year-old applying for an Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant (OHLG) of £2,667.

This grant was declined and referred for investigation after it was found that Adenuga was running a takeaway, rather than a restaurant as claimed in his application. Takeaways were not eligible under this scheme as they were not required to close.

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Following the investigation, it was found that he had also received a Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG) totaling £9,669.21 claiming to be a sexual entertainment and hostess bar - when operating as a takeaway.

Mr Adenuga also received a Restart Grant (RG) of £8,000, claiming to be an outdoor bar supplying alcoholic beverages when actually operating as a takeaway.

Mr Adenuga was interviewed twice by council officers following the investigation in June and July 2022. He admitted that he had made false applications to support his business. He confirmed he had supplied false applications and documentation but was not able to claim any other funding to support his business.

In total, Adenuga – through his business – benefited from £17,669.21 in fraudulent Covid support grant claims - and attempted to claim a further £2,667. A total of £20,336.21

Adenuga pleaded guilty to the total of six offences at a magistrates' court hearing on November 17 2023